Activity 1 IET 120 Online
Fall 2015
Background of the Problem
Vast amounts of electronics waste are being disposed of improperly and creating harmful pollution to the Earth. Roughly 40 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste) is produced globally each year.
Studies have consistently shown that electronic waste from devices like mobile phones, PDA's and digital cameras contains toxins that are damaging to our environment. If this pattern continues, then we may damage our environment permanently. Sadly, it seems that the same devices that propel us forward technologically are the very same devices that threaten our existence.
Problem and Goal Statement
Electronic waste contains toxins that are damaging to our environment and our goal is to completely eliminate e- waste in the present and in the future.
Problem Solving Approach
ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS - Michael Helm
1.
Recognize the Problem – Electronics waste is being disposed in dangerous ways that pollute the
Earth
2.
Define the problem- Electronics need to be either disposed of safely or electronics need to be made of materials that can be recycled easily
3.
Brainstorming to determine alternative solutions
Bacterial recycling of materials derived from oil (plastics, etc)
Develop “green” motherboards and other electronic components
Put laws in place that forbid electronics manufacturers to continue making harmful products
Make recycling centers for “E” waste more abundant.
If the EPA and USPS were to send a box to users to send their E-waste back in for free then this would be an excellent way to slowly decrease the amount of E-waste.
The government could designate businesses in many areas to be drop off points for E-waste.
4.
Considering the possible consequences of each solution
If bacteria are used, what potential harmful effects might they have; if any
Michael Helm Adam Figueredo Page 1

Activity 1 IET 120 Online
Fall 2015
If new “green” motherboards are developed, will that drive up/down the cost of electronics, are the methods to obtain or develop new materials toxic themselves?
If laws are put in place, it will help, but it could create a “black market” for electronics
What are the costs and environmental impact of increased “E” waste recycling
If mailing E-waste on a national scale was done some people may have to wait a long time to turn theirs in.
May cost tax payers money
5.
Selecting the best solution
Combine solutions to have a multi-faceted approach that attacks the issue from multiple angles.
6.
Implementing the solution
Work with EPA and other government agencies, Task colleges and universities globally to come up with these innovations, Prizes, Grants, tax breaks/ exemptions to companies that can develop “green” electronics.
7.
Monitoring and evaluating the action taken
Basically, see which approaches are working the best. Then take those approaches and refine them also. Also, have electronics companies donate to research for “green” electronics
Information Collected http://www.recyclingforcharities.com/environmental-effects-of-e-waste.php
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/comm/csj/970124/bacteria.html
http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/a-chat-with-data-garden-the-green-thumbed-net-labelthat-s-planting-the-future-of-music
Michael Helm Adam Figueredo Page 2

Activity 1 IET 120 Online
Fall 2015
Development of Alternative Solutions
When developing alternative solutions, we had to factor in the past, present, and future of electronic waste. First, we began thinking of ways to combat the current electronic waste crisis by recycling and even proposing some new innovative ways of recycling also, but we also realized that e waste would continue to be a problem forever unless the materials used to manufacture them were safe for the environment, as well, which led to other ideas about
“green” electronic components.
Selection of Best Solution
We decided to combine solutions to have a comprehensive multi-faceted approach that attacks the issue of electronic waste from multiple angles, taking into consideration both the present and future of e waste. These solutions include:
Bacteria being engineered to harmlessly digest E-Waste
Phase out old computers/ exchange for new “green” computers
Develop “green”motherboards and other electronic components to be used in the future
Put laws in place to forbid companies from using products that are potentially harmful.
Make recycling centers and drop-off locations for ‘E’ waste more abundant.
Allow the government to provide pre-paid postage for ‘E’ waste to be sent to recycling centers.
Michael Helm Adam Figueredo Page 3